Hirono announces $1.1 million for Hawaii to fight Zika virus

Hirono announces $1.1 million for Hawaii to fight Zika virus2017-10-022018-04-12https://www.upwhawaii.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/no-text.pngUnited Public Workershttps://www.upwhawaii.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/no-text.png200px200px

The Garden Island; December 20, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Sen. Mazie K. Hirono announced that the Hawaii Department of Health will receive $1.1 million in Centers for Disease Control funding to fight the Zika virus.

The funding will bolster Hawaii’s lab testing capacity as well as fund education and vector control measures.

“Hawaii needs to be vigilant against the continued threat posed by Zika, and this funding increases the Hawaii Department of Health’s capacity to prevent and respond to a potential Zika outbreak,” Hirono said.

The grants were funded through emergency supplemental funding that Hirono supported, and Congress approved, in September.

“These funds will allow us to support and enhance key Zika-related department programs to safeguard our state’s public health in the long run,” said Dr. Sarah Park, Hawaii state epidemiologist.